Delaware gazette and state journal. (Wilmington, Del.) 1883-1902, 1887-03-10
NOT eUr1rr OF MuRDsR.



The trial OF Delaware Thomas Brown, a
native'of this city, charged with the murder
Of James NJ Pickett, on January 6tn last,
has been in progress for several days at
Hagersrown, Nd, and resulted IN his
ncquittal on Thursday utter a trial which
excited much interest.
Brown Is broad-shouldered, heavy-set
man, with black hair, sharp brown eyes, q
thick red moustache, 28 years OF age, and
was attended In court by his brothers,
Francis A. Brown Of Newark, DEL, and
Charles A. Brown OF Fulton county, Pa.
Upon cross-examination, Brown stated that
ha was born In Wilmington, Del, aud was
28 years old, but has been living iD Mary
land some SIX or seven years; that he had
known Pickett for four or five years; that
he had lived In Hagerstown for several
months at different times; that about two
weeks before the murder he was paid $500
and that he frequently got drunk, but gen.
orally knew what he was doing when in
that condition.
The killing was the result OF quarrel
caused, as Brown charges, because ne was
dragged and robbed In Pickett's saloon OF
$120 few days before the fatal quarrel. In
his testimony as to what followed, Brown
said; went back into the saloon aud asked
Pickett for my money, and he said he did
not know anything about my money, but /
replied: Jim, you ought to know, because
you had your hand in my vest pocket, but
he replied: III you go shooting of around
me about your money | will 'eroak YOU
drawing his finger across his throlt aud
putting his hand tn bis hip.pocKet. Thought
was In rough place, and said "Alt right
jim, will see you In the mofning about
this little matter, and left the saloon. Next
morning about 10 O'Clock, the day OF the
killing, l went again to Pickett's saloon,
and as entered Jim said: How are you
fhfa unnrptnty Vi.pn1 7 FaHltad 1T faal oh
and want my money He replied: Now
look here; this is the second time you
have come after your money, and
d-n you will certainly 'croak' you II you
speak to me again about It, Pickett
looked very angry, and thought my life
was In danger. had no pistol at this time
and l left, but said, All right, Pickett; I
will settle this the next time see you.',
Then l went to McKee's hardware store and
bought self f-cocking revolver and loaded
1t while in the store, but bought 1t only
for the purpose of defending myself IL at
tackled by Pickett, as believed would be,
as had made up my mind to call upon him
again for my money, DO matter what the
consequences might be. thought Pickett
dangerous man. My friend Wiles and /
were In ourran's saloon, standing at the
bar talking, when Pickett entered and went
across the room to the billiard-room door
and rested his hand upon the door frame.
He was talking to Curran, when went up
to him and said, Pickett intending TO ask
him again for my money, when he turned
around, and without saying one word
reached for his hip pocket. Immediately
drew my pistol and began to shoot. The
first shot MIN in the breast; then he rushed
ut me with his hands up, and shot him
twice more, when he tell upon the 1oor, and
hen shot ut him twice while on the floor.
Was very much excited alter the firsi shot.
fthon1nt shoi iiye times" Tho prisoner
was acquitted.